Most of the main cruise traces have their very own personal islands (e.g.: Royal Caribbean’s Good Day at CocoCay, Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay). When Virgin Voyages launched final 12 months, their Caribbean sailings included a cease not at a personal island, however at a personal, unique seaside membership positioned on a public island.
Virgin Voyages’ The Seashore Membership at Bimini is a big, personal seaside membership providing swimming pools, beachfront entry, and way more. When Virgin isn’t utilizing the personal seaside membership, it’s utilized by different traces, together with Celeb Cruise Line.
Throughout my most up-to-date crusing on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Woman, I used to be excited to take a look at the Seashore Membership at Bimini. Bimini is positioned off the coast of Miami (a couple of 2-hour ferry journey away), however our cease there was on the third day of our explicit crusing. It does range by itinerary.
Learn extra in regards to the Seashore Membership at Bimini – Virgin Voyages’ personal seaside membership vacation spot. Notice that Virgin Voyages is an adult-only cruise line.
Evaluate of the Seashore Membership at Bimini
We arrived on the cruise port of Bimini early. After breakfast on the Razzle Dazzle on the Scarlet Woman, we packed up a bag with sunscreen, books, a transportable charger, and different seaside necessities. Though we additionally packed seaside towels, these weren’t vital as there have been racks of colourful towels out there as we exited the ship.
Earlier than you go, test the Virgin Voyages app for particular particulars on what documentation you’ll want for the day. This may range relying in your plans in Bimini. We simply wanted our band, in addition to a photograph ID. Purchases on the Seashore Membership at Bimini will be made with the Band, so money sometimes isn’t vital.
Getting There
When you exit the ship, you’ll be capable of stroll down a brief pier to get to the trams. The island of Bimini isn’t a personal island for Virgin Voyages, so there are different belongings you’ll be capable of do on the island past the seaside membership.
The precise Seashore Membership at Bimini is personal only for the cruise (for the day), and is positioned at Resorts World Bimini. On days when Virgin Voyages just isn’t in port, the Bimini Seashore Membership is utilized by different cruise traces in addition to by Resorts World Bimini.
When you get on the tram, you’ll be pushed to the seaside membership. It isn’t very walkable, so that you’ll wish to take the tram even if you’re somebody who enjoys strolling. The tram journey isn’t too lengthy, and there’s additionally a cease for these occurring shore excursions.
In case you are on the ship, hoping to see the seaside membership, you’ll be out of luck. It isn’t seen from the ship, sadly.
When you exit the tram, you’ll be on the entrance of the seaside membership. From there, you may select which space to arrange for the day – there are many choices.
I’ve been to the Bahamas many occasions however haven’t been to Bimini. I used to be impressed with how stunning the island is, with beautiful mild blue water and mushy sand. I’d like to return sooner or later.
Excursions at Bimini
Throughout your day at Bimini, you’ll have a number of tour choices, in case you select. In fact, you don’t need to e book something – you may simply simply spend the day on the seaside or the pool. Solar loungers and umbrellas are complimentary and there gave the impression to be many out there in quite a lot of spots.
On the precise seaside membership, you may e book varied forms of cabanas, together with lagoon, grove, and seaside cabanas (in addition to personal cabanas devoted to visitors staying in Rockstar Suites). These are smallish cabanas, with completely different facilities like daybeds and a few included drinks. I discovered the costs to be comparatively reasonably priced compared with different cruise traces, however they’re smaller cabanas.
On my second go to to the Seashore Membership at Bimini, we rented a cabana by the pool and seaside. It included $100 of bar credit score and had food and drinks service. These are fashionable, so in case you see one out there on the app, you need to e book it as quickly as attainable.
As a result of Bimini just isn’t a personal island, you’ll have extra alternatives for excursions past the seaside membership. These embody shark snorkeling, dolphin safari, a mid-afternoon cruise, a historic tour of the island, and a scuba dive.
These official Virgin Voyages excursions, known as “Shore Issues”, will be booked upfront on the Virgin Voyages web site or the app. I’d advocate doing that as early as attainable, as a result of availability could also be restricted. If you need to undergo customs, you could want extra documentation, so be sure to test earlier than you allow the ship.
Timing at Bimini
In contrast to different cruise ships, Virgin Voyages is docked at their personal vacation spot for your complete day into the night. So, you don’t have to fret about leaving simply as you’re having enjoyable. As a substitute, you’ll be capable of keep till round sundown. On our voyage, we needed to be on board by 7:30 pm, however this varies by ship and itinerary.
Social gathering on the Seashore Membership at Bimini
Virgin Voyages is thought for its wonderful signature dance events, held every day of your cruise. At Bimini, the social gathering is a pool float social gathering, which takes place in the midst of the day. There are additionally different actions, together with morning yoga, in addition to a pool DJ taking part in music all through the afternoon. It’s such a enjoyable
Seashore at Bimini
Talking of the seaside – Bimini has a stunning one, with stunning blue water and a good looking white sand seaside. It’s extra northern than fashionable Caribbean islands, so the water will be cooler within the winter months. Throughout our Might cruise, I discovered the water to be just a little chilly however not chilly in any respect.
There have been loads of chairs with umbrellas arrange alongside the seaside. Whether or not you need a full solar location or want the shade, there have been plenty of seating choices.
Swimming pools at Bimini
Whereas we did love the seaside space, there are additionally two beautiful lagoon-style swimming pools overlooking the ocean. There’s seating alongside the pool, and the water is sweet and heat. We additionally spent a while sitting within the shallow seats alongside the pool. You’ll in all probability wish to go to each areas throughout your day in Bimini.
Along with the seaside and pool areas, there’s additionally a terrace space as you enter the seaside membership. This space has several types of seating in addition to a bar. There’s additionally a bar overlooking one of many swimming pools with enjoyable hanging wicker chairs.
Bars and Meals
You gained’t go hungry or thirsty on the Seashore Membership at Bimini. There are bars positioned all through the resort, and servers additionally stroll by the chairs taking orders. You’ll be able to cost your whole drinks together with your band, so there’s no want for money or bank cards.
Coconuts are additionally out there in case you’d wish to strive native juice. They’re scrumptious and are additionally enjoyable for photographs. Select one from the cart, pay, and a server will make a gap in it for you.
Lunch can be included on the island. It consists of issues like conch and mango salad in addition to Bimini snapper. We loved our lunch – it’s a step above customary BBQ fare.
Visiting With One other Cruise Line
After my preliminary go to to the Seashore Membership at Bimini with Virgin Cruise Line, I additionally visited with Celeb. When touring to Bimini with Celeb Cruise Strains, you’ll have to e book the seaside membership as a separate tour. It isn’t complimentary. We opted to buy our day on the seaside membership inclusive of lunch, however that’s a separate choice.
For probably the most half, the expertise with Celeb was similar to ours with Virgin. The meals is far completely different, nonetheless. You’ll additionally have to pay to your drinks with bank cards. They don’t settle for a ship account for fee.
Whereas there was no float social gathering, there was a DJ that saved us entertained. I’d advocate a go to to the Seashore Membership, even when you need to pay individually.
